short ornamental grasses

Why Choose Short Ornamental Grasses

Short ornamental grasses are ideal for both small and large garden designs. They add movement and contrast without dominating other plants, making them superb companions for perennials or shrubs. Many varieties are drought-tolerant and excellent for coastal or urban environments. Their modest height means they won’t block views or overwhelm pathways, and their adaptability makes them suitable for full sun or part shade positions.

Top Short Ornamental Grasses for New Zealand Gardens

Explore some of our favourite short ornamental grasses that offer structure, style, and ease of care:

Lomandra Little Pal

If you’re after a hardy, compact grass with a neat growth habit, Lomandra Little Pal is a stand-out. Reaching only 30cm tall, it forms tidy clumps of fine, green leaves and handles both sun and shade. It’s perfect for borders, low-maintenance mass planting, or underplanted around trees where you need tough, reliable groundcover.

Lomandra Evergreen Baby

Lomandra Evergreen Baby is another excellent low-growing grass, thriving even in difficult spots. This variety stays close to the ground, making it a top pick for edging or filling gaps in mixed plantings. The softly arching foliage of Lomandra Evergreen Baby complements larger grasses or colourful flowers beautifully.

Carex Frosted Curls

For striking texture and a silvery-green hue, Carex Frosted Curls is hard to beat. Growing to around 30cm high, its fine leaves curl and ripple, catching the light for year-round interest. Use it to soften garden edges, trail from pots, or cascade over retaining walls.

Juncus Blue Dart (Blue Rush)

Juncus Blue Dart (Blue Rush) features distinctive blue-grey foliage in upright, compact clumps. At only 40cm tall, this tidy rush brings structure to wet or boggy areas, rain gardens, or as contrast among other short ornamental grasses.

Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

The petite Ophiopogon japonicus Nana often called dwarf mondo grass, is loved for its deep green foliage and tufted habit, growing just 10cm high. It’s a favourite for pathway edging, between paving stones, or under shrubs where you want a soft, lush groundcover.

How to Use Short Ornamental Grasses in the Landscape

Short ornamental grasses are incredibly versatile in New Zealand gardens. Plant them as low hedging along paths, mix them among flowering perennials for soft highlights, or use in pots for all-season interest on patios and decks. Their fine texture contrasts beautifully with bolder foliage, making them a designer’s secret for harmonious and dynamic plantings.

Caring for Short Ornamental Grasses

Most short ornamental grasses require little maintenance once established. They benefit from free-draining soil and, in most cases, tolerate dry conditions. A light trim in late winter or early spring keeps them neat and encourages new growth. Mulching helps to conserve moisture and reduces weeds, ensuring your chosen varieties thrive with minimal fuss.

Browse our range to discover how easy and rewarding short ornamental grasses can be in your garden. Whether you’re planting for structure, texture, or low-effort beauty, these compact wonders offer endless creative possibilities.